‘Inside Out 2’  provides powerful insight to a unique generation

By Esther Fultz

This review contains spoilers for “Inside Out 2.”

Like many people in my generation, I grew up on Pixar films – “Toy Story,” “Cars,” “Monsters Inc.” – you name it. But if I had to choose my favorite movie, I probably would have said “Inside Out.” The film was released in 2015, but for some reason, I didn’t watch it until early in college when I was studying to be a social worker and it immediately captivated my attention. The film engages young people and parents alike with humor, relatable themes, and a surprising amount of insight regarding the impact of emotions on young people. So of course, I had to go see “Inside Out 2,” and it did not disappoint.

Like the audience, Riley is older now and her interests are changing. Friendships are becoming increasingly important in her life. After all, Friendship Island is now much bigger than Family Island. Hockey is also more important than ever. After helping her middle school team win a big game, Riley and her two best friends, Bree and Grace, are invited to participate in a hockey skills camp with the high school team, the Fire Hawks. Thrilled for this opportunity, Riley makes it her mission to prove her worth to the coach and show everyone on the team that she has what it takes to be a Fire Hawk.

In addition to these external life changes, Riley is changing internally. Puberty, portrayed as a blaring red alarm, arrives in headquarters, and with it, some new emotions. In addition to Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear, Riley now has Envy, Boredom, Embarrassment, and Anxiety. However, Riley still has her Core Memories, which combine to create something bigger than any one emotion. Riley’s Sense of Self, the overarching message that “I am a good person,” allows her to act in ways that align with her values even in challenging situations.

Like the original “Inside Out,” this film is remarkably relatable. From the hurt Riley experiences as her friends tell her they will not be attending the same high school next year, to the embarrassment she experiences when the Fire Hawks find out she likes a band they consider immature, to Riley’s ever present admiration of the Fire Hawks team captain Val Ortiz, viewers will be able to identify with Riley’s experiences and recall similar ones of their own.

“Inside Out 2” also addresses the themes of self-worth and where we derive our identity. As Riley anticipates changing relationships throughout high school, uncertainty clouds her future. Instead of Joy acting as primary controller up in headquarters, Anxiety takes the lead. Unlike Fear, who protects Riley from things she can see, Anxiety protects Riley from things she cannot see through envisioning countless terrible possibilities and creating action plans to ensure her safety. Anxiety causes Riley to focus on making the team regardless of the cost, and banishes the other emotions that seem to threaten this goal. 

Through repeated actions that align with Anxiety rather than Riley’s childhood Sense of Self, Riley creates new negative Core Memories and her Sense of Self shifts from being positive and accepting to echoing the message of “I’m not good enough.” This new Sense of Self leads Riley down an increasingly problematic path. Anxiety continues to dictate her actions and Riley spirals to the point of a full blown panic attack when she hurts her friend Grace during a final game in an effort to show her abilities to the coach. 

The portrayal of Riley’s panic attack is one of my favorite parts of the film. Anxiety escalates from simply controlling the board to moving faster and faster until even she is out of control, mindlessly pushing buttons and pulling levers to keep Riley stuck in a state of panic. Luckily, Riley’s other emotions, who have since escaped and found their way back to headquarters, are eventually able to calm Riley down. Anxiety apologizes, telling the others that she never meant to hurt Riley, she just wanted to keep her safe. 

According to recent statistics from Pacific Oaks College, 61% of Gen Z has been medically diagnosed with an anxiety condition. For an audience that struggles with anxiety more than any other generation, this scene addresses an all too common experience accurately and in a way that promotes self compassion. “Inside Out 2” addresses how we come to terms with these challenges and with our nuanced adult selves. This scene and the remainder of the film show how Riley can develop an intricate, beautiful Sense of Self that recognizes the reality of many conflicting emotions and aspects of humanity. Riley can feel anxious, wonder if she is good enough, desire acceptance, be proud of her past, deeply appreciate her friends and grieve a future that was different than anticipated – all at the same time. “Inside Out 2” gives viewers a space to do this for themselves through understanding and appreciating all aspects of our current selves and embracing our past selves – even the cringe middle school memories Riley may resemble – through a nostalgic childhood film.  

“Inside Out 2” ends on a suspenseful note as Riley awaits to hear whether she made the team. Like other elements of the plot that communicate something deeper than what may initially meet the eye, this decision seems intentional. Though the film may cut short right before Riley finds out the piece of information that has absorbed her every waking moment the past few days, she is noticeably less anxious than before. Surrounded by old friends as well as new ones, Riley is confident that whatever happens next year, she can handle it, she is not alone, and she has grown throughout the process. And at the end of the day, that is all that matters.

“Inside Out 2” is now showing in theaters

Esther Fultz is a senior Social Work major and the Off Campus Editor for Cedars. When she’s not writing or editing for Cedars she enjoys thrifting, making coffee, exploring new places, and spending time with friends.